Naga New Year Festival: Prime Minister attends the celebration in Lahe

Naga New Year Festival took place in Lahe of Naga Self-administered Zone on Sunday with the attendance of Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

In his speech, the Prime Minister said it is an honour to attend the 2023 Naga New Year Festival, and wishing for well-being of the ethnic people residing in Naga region and all the entire country. He urged Naga nationals and all the national brethren in every corner of the country to safeguard and hand down the traditional culture and customs to the posterities.

He added that the government is striving for reconciliation and achieving peace and stability in the Union. The Prime Minister called for cooperative of all entire people hand in hand with the government. He pointed out Naga region has already achieved peace, and it is needed to continue striving for achieving tranquility more than present time.

It was followed by the explanation on the brief history of Naga New Year and presenting of commemorative gift to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also presented assistance for development of Naga region and agriculture works, sports gears and foodstuff.

Chief Minister U Myat Kyaw also presented 100 million kyats assistance for the Naga New Year Festival. The Prime Minister and party later enjoyed the traditional dance performance by the Naga ethnic people, and presented honorary cash awards to the performers.

The Prime Minister and party then viewed the booths which display the traditions of Naga people. At night, the Prime Minister took part in the Naga traditional bon-fire festival together with the local ethnic people. Previously, Naga New Year Festival has been held in each township, and starting 1992, the festival has been celebrated in the townships in Naga region alternately. The festival attracts many visitors from local and abroad.